Summary:
"Smithsonian Institution - United States National Museum - Bulletin 249" by Noël Hume et al. is a scientific publication written in the late 20th century. The bulletin includes various papers focusing on archaeological findings and research conducted in Virginia. The first three papers detail excavations at notable sites, providing insights into colonial life and the material culture of the period. The opening of this bulletin highlights the historical significance of archaeological research by Ivor Noël Hume, specifically regarding the Jenkins site at Clay Bank in Gloucester County, Virginia, where colonial artifacts were uncovered. It describes the initial discoveries that led to excavation, the challenges faced during the project, and outlines the types of artifacts found, ranging from ceramic pottery to a remarkable piece of lead-glass, which is noted as particularly significant. The text sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the findings and their implications for understanding colonial Virginia's history. (This is an automatically generated summary.)